My Friday Five. Five things I've been implementing and exploring this week.
Book I'm Reading:
On Grief and Grieving by Elizabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler
I wasn't sure I was ready to delve into On Grief and Grieving so I read it quickly. Realizing that my grieving and regrets were normal is a wonderful blessing. My Mother-In-Law as been on my mind with the approaching Mother's Day. The time she lived with us was as beautiful as it was hectic.
Once she was moved into the hospital I found my daily visits were filled with getting her needs met instead of having the talks and connection we had while she lived with us. I always had to look for a nurse to find out how her night went and what medicines they gave her. Sometimes she didn't have someone feed her breakfast and I had to track down breakfast and feed her. Sometimes physical therapy skipped her the previous day. Sometimes I was looking for someone to help move her or bathe her.
Having only three hours each morning to be with her was not a lot. Once her needs were met I could relax, but it was her time to sleep. I sat holding her hand wondering what she thought of everything she was going through. My regret was that I never asked. This book taught me that many people have this regret and that I wasn't alone. It also taught me I did exactly what she needed.
Success Story:
I had a new patient schedule the two-hour Recover, Relax and Refresh appointment. When I came to meet him he was lying on the bench and had significant pain sitting up. He said he didn’t have the money to pay for the appointment. He was waiting on a disability check from his employer. Disappointed I wouldn't make any money for two hours of work, I still decided to go ahead with the full two-hour session knowing that he couldn't pay. I pulled out all the stops in my treatment plan. I wanted this man to feel better.
Unfortunately, within a few minutes of working on him I knew his problem was much bigger than something acupuncture could resolve. I’m sure he has some severe spinal cord impingement. He said he felt about 50% better after the session. I knew the pain would return and recommended he go to a doctor.
Not having insurance I was doubtful he would follow through and go to a doctor. I recommended my friend, Cathy Baldasserini at Pilates for Life in Allen. I asked that he please only go see her once he has to money to pay. I felt she would be able to help. He scheduled with her and also told her he didn't have money to pay. Healers heal, so she also offered him a free session and came to the same conclusion I did. He needed more aggressive care.
I have seen Acupuncture do some miracles, but I also know its limitations. It's always hard to send someone on their way knowing I only made a brief improvement to their life. I am always thankful to be the person they saw knowing that I will help them find the right place for their healing whether with me or not.
Quote I'm meditating on:
Judge me by how good my good ideas are, not how bad my bad ideas are. - Ben Affleck
I find these words so powerful. I quoted him when I sent all the words I’ve written for my book to my editor. I felt more confident sending them with that introduction.
Product I'm using:
A few months ago I decided to stop drinking coffee to see if it has a positive impact on my health. I truly don’t miss coffee, but I miss the morning ritual. I tried warm lemon water for a couple months and it didn’t hit the spot. I’m a huge fan of the surf documentary Step Into Liquid and have watched it multiple times. It even inspired a surf and yoga adventure in Hawaii.
Laird Hamilton has never competed as a profession surfer, yet is probably one of the most famous surfers in the world. I watched his new documentary, Take Every Wave. Of course since I googled Laird Hamilton I began getting ads for his shroom mix constantly. It’s recommended to take them daily for three months. Ask me then how I feel! So far so good and less bloat.
Music I'm listening to that makes me happy:
Flowers by Miley Cyrus
This is a sing out loud song! Dance and enjoy.
ps I do not have any affiliation with the products mentioned. I like them and want you to know about them.